Tate, Jean on schedule to play Sunday night

Safety Quintin Demps, who’s still recovering from surgery on his forearm, was the only player who didn’t participate in practice at least on a limited basis.

Running back Ben Tate participated in the light practice.

“We were very light in practice today,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “It was kind of more teaching, but Ben did take his load today. My expectations are that Ben will ready to go Sunday.”

Receiver Lestar Jean has returned from arthroscopic knee surgery.

“He probably was very close to playing last week, but it was our plan all along to push him back another week,” Kubiak said. “He was full-go today, and I expect him to be ready, also.”

Missing Cushing
Quarterback Matt Schaub may have spoken for all of his teammates when he talked about the loss of linebacker Brian Cushing.

“Obviously, it’s a very tough situation,” Schaub said. “It’s the harsh reality of football when things like this happen. It’s a tough deal. I know Brian’s going do whatever he can to come back even better than he was.

“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around, one of the best players I’ve ever been around. It just means that everyone is going to have to pick it up a little bit more.”

Andre is OK with role
Andre Johnson would rather win than catch passes, so he’s happy with the 5-0 record even if he has only 17 catches for 283 yards.

Coach Gary Kubiak said it’s up to him, as the play caller, to get Johnson the ball more.

“It’s something you like to hear, but I can only do my best with the opportunities that I get,” Johnson said. “We have a bunch of guys who can step up and make plays. We’ve been running the ball real well. When you’re running the ball, a lot of times you don’t have to throw it.”

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Texans won the game 23-17. less

Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.

Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.